Segmented lens

Abstract

A segmented aperture lens having multiple lens segments having predetermined patterns. Each lens segment may be a fresnel lens. The lens segments may be arranged in a two-dimensional array or a one-dimensional array.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A light projection system for distributing light onto at least a portion of a target, comprising: a user-activable light source;   a lens positioned to receive light from the light source; and   the lens having a plurality of lens segments arranged in an array, the lens segments having at least one predetermined pattern and each lens segment arranged to contribute light to any given point on the target portion to enhance uniformity of light distributed over the target portion.   
     
     
       2. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein each lens segment includes a fresnel lens. 
     
     
       3. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein each lens segment has substantially the same predetermined pattern. 
     
     
       4. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein the lens segments are arranged in a two-dimensional array. 
     
     
       5. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein the lens segments are arranged in a one-dimensional array. 
     
     
       6. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein each lens segment includes a continuous phase structure. 
     
     
       7. The light projection system of claim 6, wherein each lens segment is associated with a phase function having multiple zones arranged in a generally sawtooth profile. 
     
     
       8. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein each lens segment has an optical axis, each lens segment including structures that are adapted to provide substantially the same focal length along two axes orthogonal to the optical axis. 
     
     
       9. The light projection system of claim 1, wherein each lens segment includes a multi-level phase structure. 
     
     
       10. A light projection system comprising: a light source;   a lens positioned to receive light from the light source; and   the lens having a plurality of lens segments arranged in an array, the lens segments having predetermined patterns,   wherein each lens segment includes structures having different curvatures along axes orthogonal to the optical axis of the lens segment.   
     
     
       11. The light projection system of claim 10, wherein the focal lengths along the orthogonal axes are different. 
     
     
       12. A light projection system comprising: a light source;   a lens positioned to receive light from the light source; and   the lens having a plurality of lens segments arranged in an array, the lens segments having predetermined patterns,   wherein some of the lens segments have different predetermined patterns.   
     
     
       13. A segmented aperture lens for distributing light from a light source over a predetermined target portion, comprising: a plurality of segments each including a fresnel lens,   the segments being arranged in an array, each segment adapted to project light from the light source onto each point of the target portion,   wherein some of the segments have different focal lengths.   
     
     
       14. The lens of claim 13, wherein the fresnel lens in the segments have substantially the same focal lengths. 
     
     
       15. The lens of claim 13, wherein the segments are arranged in a two-dimensional array. 
     
     
       16. The lens of claim 13, wherein the segments are arranged in a one-dimensional array. 
     
     
       17. A method of illuminating at least a portion of a target, comprising: providing a light source in a camera;   providing a lens having an array of lens segments; and   illuminating, with the light source, the target portion through the lens segments, wherein each point of the target portion is substantially contributed by each of the lens segments to enhance uniformity of illumination.   
     
     
       18. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the lens includes providing an array of fresnel lens segments. 
     
     
       19. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the lens includes providing a two-dimensional array of lens segments. 
     
     
       20. The method of claim 17, wherein providing the lens includes providing a one-dimensional array of lens segments. 
     
     
       21. A camera comprising: a camera light source; and   a lens having a plurality of lens segments, the lens segment having one or more predetermined patterns and arranged to distribute light from the camera light source onto a target portion.